Lost Pets

Lost dog poster

Lost Your Pet? These 5 Steps May Help You Find Your Companion

It only takes a second for your pet to dash out an open door or slip through a gate that didn't latch properly. Some animals seem to vanish just minutes after they make their escape, causing heartache for the people who love them. Although some pets return on their own, others are found only after a long search. Following these steps may help you find your lost pet sooner.

Alert the Neighbors

Lost pets don't always travel far. In fact, they may be sniffing around your own neighborhood. Before you begin a search, contact your neighbors first. Your pet may be visiting one of their homes.

Start the Search

Covering as much ground as possible as soon as you realize your pet is missing is the goal of your pet search. Enlist friends, family members and neighbors to help you scour the neighborhood for your pet. Give them:

  • A Recent Photo of Your Dog, Cat, Ferret, Bird, or Small Animal (Print copies or send a few images to searchers' phones.)
  • Collar or Harness and Leash
  • A Supply of Your Pet's Favorite Treats

Assign each searcher a specific part of your neighborhood. Ask them to:

  • Call Your Pet's Name. Use your pet's given name and nicknames.
  • Show the Photograph to Anyone They Meet During the Search. Don't rely on your searchers to describe your pet accurately. A photo offers the simplest way to identify your animal.
  • Distribute Flyers. Print flyers with your pet's photo and name as well as your name and phone number. Include distinguishing characteristics or personality traits that may not be apparent in the photograph. In addition to giving flyers to your neighbors, ask your searchers to distribute them to local businesses.
  • Look Under Nearby Porches, Bushes, and Other Potential Hiding Spots. Although your dog may come when called, cats often hide when they're lost. Finding them may require a little detective work. Shaking a can of treats or offering a few tasty tidbits might help lure your cat out of hiding. Be sure to ask permission first before entering private property.

Check Out the Pets Surrendered to Animal Shelters and Veterinary Offices

If your pet is still lost, log on to your computer and take a look at the pets surrendered to local animal shelters and animal control departments. Many shelter websites include search features that make it easier to identify animals that look like your pet. Keep in mind that descriptions can be subjective. You might describe your pet's coat as brown, but the shelter may label it "brindle."

Don't rely on online searches alone. It can take a few days for shelters to photograph and add incoming animals to their websites. Visit shelters and ask to see animals in both their public and holding areas.

Stop by shelters every one or two days, in addition to viewing animals on the websites daily. You may want to expand your search to include shelters within a 20-mile radius of your home. Animals aren't always taken to the nearest shelter. If someone works in your area and lives elsewhere, they may drop your pet off at a shelter close to their home.

Call local veterinary offices too. Some accept lost pets and try to re-home them.

Verify Your Contact Information with the Microchipping Registry

Has your pet been microchipped? The tiny chip implanted under your pet's skin contains a code linked to your contact information. If you've moved since your dog or cat was microchipped, make sure that the registry contains the correct contact information.

Take Advantage of the Power of the Internet

Whether we're posting the latest cute picture of our pets or kids most recent baseball game, social media is the perfect way to connect with friends and share information, including news of your lost pet.

Posting or tweeting about your lost pet will help you spread the news quickly. Encourage your followers to retweet or re-post and offer frequent follow-up posts during the search.

Consider posting information about your pet on a few lost pet sites, like PawBoost or Pet FBI. These national clearinghouses provide a platform for people who've found or lost pets. Some automatically send your pet's information to local lost pet Facebook pages or help you create printable flyers.

Microchipping can help you increase the chance of a reunion if you ever lose your pet. Whether you want to make an appointment for microchipping or are concerned about a health issue, we're here to help. Contact us to schedule your pet's visit.

Sources:

ASPCA: Finding a Lost Pet

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/finding-lost-pet

The Humane Society of the United States: What to Do If You Lose Your Pet

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-lose-your-pet

Pet FBI

https://petfbi.org/

PawBoost

https://www.pawboost.com

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "They came highly recommended by my aunt and she was right. Very kind, gentle with my old fella and compassionate about our situation. Very helpful and fairly priced"
    James Woodruff
  • "Great place to take your pets. Dr. Karl is fantastic! I highly recommend Free Home Animal Hospital"
    Carol Wade
  • "Freehome Animal Hospital is the B-E-S-T! They are so professional and friendly. The hospital is super clean and Dr. Karl is a stellar veterinarian. I can't say enough about this animal hospital. I am very picky about my dog and wouldn't take her anywhere else. I travel 30 minutes to go to this vet."
    Laura Cegala
  • "We brought our precious Golden Doodle to Free Home when she had a mysterious illness of being lethargic and was not eating. The doctor and the entire team where fantastic - they provided a tremendous amount of love and caring for our Bella as well as compassion for me with my worries. Although the cause was out of the ordinary, they were able to identify the problem and within days, our little girl was back to herself.

    The price was fair, the service fantastic and the outcome perfect. We will not go anywhere else now even though we live in Alpharetta and this is out of our way."
    Mark Goodman
  • "This is the best animal clinic I have ever taken my dog to. I love the staff and vet. They truly loves animals! Reasonable prices too."
    Mallory Smith